A Comparison of Avast vs BitDefender by the Spyshakers.com Team Editors

A custom antivirus comparison of Avast vs BitDefender by the Spyshakers.com Team Editors (accurate as of March 31, 2015).

Avast!

BitDefender

Versions:

Avast! 2014 Free - There is a limited free version of Avast available for download at the Avast website. It has basic antivirus and spyware detection functionality.

Avast! Pro Antivirus 2014 - Pro Antivirus adds functionality like the SafeZone which is an enhanced security environment for shopping and banking. The key feature is the sandbox which you get in the Pro version.

Avast! Internet Security 2014 - The Internet Security version includes the sandbox like the Pro version but it also includes a sophisticated firewall, a spam filter and advanced phishing prevention methods.

Avast! Endpoint Protection - Avast Endpoint Protection is a separate business product with more than five PCs. With Avast! Endpoint Protection you will find antivirus for systems such as file servers, email servers, and sharepoint servers.

Versions:

BitDefender Antivirus Plus - The entry level product is BitDefender Antivirus Plus 2015 which includes the standard antivirus protection as well as some features such as USB scanning, remote launching, and search results checking to make sure you click on safe links.

BitDefender Internet Security - BitDefender Internet Security 2015 includes the same options as Antivirus Plus but it also includes antispam technology and parental control options. If you want the firewall and permanent file shredding options then you need this version.

BitDefender Total Security - BitDefender Total Security 2015 includes the same options as the Internet Security version but it has some cool features like an anti-theft option in case your laptop gets stolen, a file encryption option and a PC Tuneup.

Strengths:

The Avast! 2014 sandbox is the real deal. With a single click of the mouse you can completely isolate the browser from the rest of the system. That means even if you download a virus in the sandbox your system stays clean.

FileRep lets you know whether a file is safe before you open it. The safety is determined by how many people already downloaded the file and how new the file is.

It runs extremely fast and does not slow down your machine. In fact Avast! ranks 2nd out of 21 different antivirus suites in an independent speed test study at AV Comparatives.

Strengths:

First and foremost BitDefender comes with a full one year trial on most of their products which is unheard of but pretty darn cool.

BitDefender scores very well in AV Comparatives false alarm test ranking 5 out of 21 in not getting fooled by false positives.

You have to love the anti-theft feature in Internet Security if your laptop gets stolen. That is a great feature.

Virtual Sandbox:

Yes. Avast! Pro Antivirus has a lot of sandbox options. It has a virtual sandbox for opening suspicious files. It also has a AutoSandbox for files Avast! detects as suspicious.

Virtual Sandbox:

There is a sandbox option in the BitDefender toolbar when browsing websites that you feel may not be safe.

PC Optimization:

No. We don't see anything in Avast! Pro Antivirus that is built to optimize PC performance specifically.

PC Optimization:

There is a PC Tuneup available only with Total Security (not on Antivirus Plus or Internet Security versions).

Backups / Online Storage:

No. We don't see any kind of backup functionality.

Backups / Online Storage:

Bitdefender Safebox is the backup system which syncs your files in the cloud.

Parental Control:

No. Avast! is not the software you need if you are looking for parental controls.

Parental Control:

BitDefender Total Security 2015 does have parental controls for blocking inappropriate content (even on schedule). It can also monitor Facebook activities.

Chat / IM Protection:

Yes. Avast! Pro Antivirus has an Instant Message Shield.

Chat / IM Protection:

Yes. Links that come through on Facebook and Twitter to prevent social media viruses.